State Representative Ellen Cohen—Ellen Cohen is the State Representative for District 134, which includes Bellaire, West University, River Oaks and parts of Meyerland and Montrose.

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• “As a minority, I know firsthand what it feels like to be dismissed. Laws are one step toward ensuring equity. However, each of us can play a role by treating one another with respect –enhancing rather than denigrating those with whom we live and work. Accepting and celebrating diversity will create the type of climate in Texas that attracts and retains creative, resourceful and productive businesses and individuals.” – State Rep. Ellen Cohen

All individuals should be treated with dignity – irrespective of race, ethnicity, age, gender, or sexual orientation. Fairness is a reasonable expectation in the workplace, classroom, hospital room and the board room. Discrimination must not be tolerated.

Every individual deserves the opportunity to make a living without fear of on-the-job harassment. Every child has a right to a quality education in a safe setting with classrooms that are truly “no bullying zones.”

The law allows for a woman’s right to choose. Where we need to focus our energy and resources is eliminating unwanted pregnancies. Our best approach is directing funds for medically accurate and age appropriate family planning and education that teaches adults and teenagers how to make responsible choices.

Personal life decisions should be made by individuals, not the government – by Texas families, not the Texas Legislature. The government should not determine when life begins, how it should end, or with whom we should spend it.

A glance at Rep. Cohen’s record on the issue of equity:

• Coauthored a bill to end bullying in schools
• Jointly-authored legislation addressing health care rights of domestic partners, as well as expanding benefits and seeking to prevent employment discrimination based on sexual orientation
• Authored legislation to remove from the Health and Safety Code a medically inaccurate link between the increased risk of breast cancer and abortion
• Helped secure approximately $9 million in family planning funding
• Sponsored the bill which established the Texas Holocaust and Genocide Commission

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